e-cigarettes use a battery-powered system that produces an inhalable aerosol by heating a liquid that includes nicotine, flavouring, and additives. The resulting aerosol vapour is designed to avoid the cancer causing by-products of tobacco, which has led to their being marketed as a healthier choice than smoking.

There is wide debate as to whether e-cigarettes improve smoking cessation in adult populations, with research providing conflicting results.

These products have high levels of nicotine. In young vapers, early exposure to nicotine can lead to changes in brain activity which cause problems with concentration and memory.

Also multiple studies in different populations and cultures have shown that those who regularly use e-cigarettes are more likely to eventually switch to smoking tobacco products.

Emerging evidence identifies the flavouring chemicals as particularly problematic (their ‘safety’ is not known as there are hundreds of different flavours used). And it's not just the liquid component that has possible health risks. Evidence also suggests that the heating coil used to generate aerosol in popular e-cigarette devices can transfer highly toxic metals, such as lead, chromium, nickel, and manganese.

One recent analysis even showed that simple exposure to e-cigarette advertisements was associated with progression to first-time tobacco use.

There is much more to read in the article 'In a Haze About e-Cigarettes? 5 Things to Know'By John Watson, published by Medscape – a site where research about many aspects of health is published. https://www.medscape.com/July 31, 2018